Own-Brand John Lewis Smart TVs With LG's webOS on the Way

It couldn't cut it in the mobile world, but John Lewis is hoping that webOS will give its own-branded HD TVs the edge, as it turns to LG and it's newly-acquired smart TV platform for a range of television sets carrying the high-street stalwart's name.

Launching in the Spring in 49, 55 and 60-inch sizes, the screen will incorporate a 2.1 soundbar into its stand to counteract the puny audio most flatscreen TVs suffer from, while apps including the BBC iPlayer, Netflix, YouTube, Skype, Twitter, Now TV, Facebook and Demand 5 will be pre-installed. Live and on-demand content will sit side-by-side in the EPG (a bit like with YouView), while LG's Wii-like Magic Remote pointer will also be included.

No precise launch date beyond "next month" is currently offered up by John Lewis, though the store has set pricing for each model, starting at £1,499 for the 49-inch version, and rising to £1,899 and £2,299 for the 55 and 60-inch versions respectively. [Pocket-Lint]